Sloukas and Udoh shine as Fenerbahce win local derby

Fenerbahce Istanbul gained local bragging rights and maintained its perfect record with a high-octane 87-103 victory over winless neighbor Galatasaray Odeabank Istanbul at a red-hot Abdi Ipekci Arena. Despite missing injured top scorer Bogdan Bogdanovic, Fenerbahce recovered from an early deficit thanks to solid defense and some spectacular individual performances. Kostas Sloukas led the offense with 24 points and 7 assists, while Bobby Dixon scored 22 points. Ekpe Udoh had a dominant double-double of 21 points and 13 rebounds, Gigi Datome added 13 points and Jan Vesely 12. Roared on by its passionate fans, Galatasaray never gave up and were propelled by 16 points from Austin Daye and 15 from Russ Smith. Justin Dentmon hit 4 triples in scoring 14 points and Vladimir Micov added 13.

Galatasaray raced out to a fast start with Sinan Guler and Micov starring to establish an early 8-point lead. Strong defense and a flurry of points from Dixon and Datome allowed Fenerbahce to fight back and pull away, going 16 points clear before Tibor Pleiss and Daye brought Galatasaray back to 41-48 at half-time. Udoh and Sloukas restored Fenerbahce’s double-digit advantage, and a strong start to the final quarter sent the visitor 14 points ahead. Dentmon refused to go quietly, hitting a quick-fire pair of triples to keep the game alive, but the hosts could never quite get within striking distance and a late flurry of triples delivered a slightly flattering, but convincing winning margin to Fenerbahce.

Head Coaches

ATAMAN, ERGIN

Galatasaray Odeabank Istanbul

"Congratulations to Fenerbahce. They played very well under the basket. They had 17 offensive rebounds and we had 17 defensive rebounds. Sloukas managed the team well tonight. Bobby Dixon also played well. In the first quarter our defense was good. But with the rotation we lost the toughness in defense. We need to be more tough against the teams at this level. I also want to thank our fans. "

OBRADOVIC, ZELJKO

Fenerbahce Istanbul

“Playing here is always difficult. There is a very good atmosphere and that helps the home team a lot. We tried to prepare ourselves for this, even with only one day, and I believe my players really had a very, very good game.”

Players

TYUS, ALEX

Galatasaray Odeabank Istanbul

“It was a tough game. Once again defense has been our Achilles heel all year and we need to figure out a solution. In the EuroLeague every team is very talented and to give up 100 points, it’s going to be tough for us to win.”

UDOH, EKPE

Fenerbahce Istanbul

“To come here and in this hostile environment and get the win, it was amazing. To play the way we did, and keep on fighting no matter the injuries, next man up…we did a great job tonight. I’m blessed just to be here and have the opportunity to play – it doesn’t matter if I’m tired or not!”

SLOUKAS, KOSTAS

Fenerbahce Istanbul

“It was a very big win. Everybody knows that against Galatasaray it’s more important than just another game, and I’m very happy and proud that we gave everybody our heart and soul here to win a difficult game.”